Consultant to Assess and Review Domestic Biogas Standards

To comprehensively evaluate the adoption and implementation of current domestic biodigester standards, suggest performance considerations regarding household size biodigester systems in the market, including the accessories/appliances and recommend an effective approach and methodology for establishing performance-based biodigester standards in Kenya.

Scope of Work

The scope of work for the Consultant will include but not be limited to:

• Assess the extent of uptake and application of the current standards by market players.
• Examine the existing opportunities and challenges for standards uptake within the sector.
• Examine and suggest on technical performance parameters of different biodigester designs in the market and on how to integrate these into the standards review, including testing and certification. The technical specifications and performance parameters should include biodigester accessories/appliances for the productive use of biogas and bio-slurry from household-size biodigester systems currently available in the Kenyan market.
• Suggest the best approach and methodology to review the existing domestic (household) biodigester standards or establish a new set of performance-based standards, also learning from countries in Africa (e.g., Ethiopia and Rwanda) and Asia (e.g., India and China) as well as the ISO TC 255 documents on household biogas plants.
• Undertake stakeholder analysis in the biogas sector in Kenya for purposes of dissemination of reviewed standards.

Timeline & Deliverables

• This assignment is expected to be carried out for 30 professional days for the lead consultant, beginning December 2024.  The table below highlights the anticipated deliverables.
• Inception report detailing the methodology to be used, activity plan and stakeholder engagement plan.
• A Technical report detailing the basis for the review of the domestic biodigester standards (KS 2566-1:2015, KS 2566-2:2015 & KS 2566-3:2015). The technical report will also highlight the current market compliance and enforcement gaps, emerging technological innovations, and opportunities.  
• An assessment report as an outcome of a participatory approach, to gather data and technical information that will inform the new standards development. The report will include a proposal for reviewing the existing standard or developing new editions considering the performance parameters on top of any basic physical or technical parameters.
• Final approved roadmap for the new household biodigester standards development to translate the above-mentioned proposal to a new set of household biodigester standards for Kenya.  

Tasks and proposed Consultant Professional Days

Phase 1- Inception ( 3days)

Inception report detailing the methodology to be used, activity plan and stakeholder engagement plan.

Phase 2- Stakeholders engagement and analysis for review of existing standards (10 days)

A Technical report detailing the basis for the review of the domestic biodigester standards (KS 2566-1:2015, KS 2566-2:2015 & KS 2566-3:2015). The technical report will also highlight the current market compliance and enforcement gaps, emerging technological innovations, and opportunities. 

Phase 3- Development of a new proposal for the standards review or development of a new one (10 days)

Engage the relevant stakeholders and develop through a participatory process, a proposal for the standards review/rewriting with inputs from the industry actors, including experts from development partners and academia.

Phase 4- Finalize roadmap for developing a new standard (7 days) 

Validated and approved roadmap for the new standards development with the above-mentioned proposal on a new household biodigester standards for Kenya

Qualifications of lead consultant/firm of consultants

Academic Qualifications

• At least a master’s degree in a relevant field in engineering, renewable energy, with a good understanding of the standards development process.  

 Experience 

• At least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Prior working experience in biodigester, clean cooking, energy decentralisation programmes and standards development is a key added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience working with government partners, industry associations, the private sector, and other stakeholders in public sector development programs, especially around capacity development.